Here I am on a beautiful yet chilly Sunday afternoon trying to put my feelings into words. Life has been hard lately. More often than not I feel trapped or stuck when I am going through hard things. I am sure many of us have felt this way.
The best word to describe this year for me so far is Perspective. A lot of hardships that happened in my life has put things into perspective. For example, I have two friends pass away this year in two separate car accidents.
Perspective #1. Live everyday fully. We don't know if there will be a tomorrow.
Perspective #2. LOVE others regardless of who they are.
Perspective #3. Laugh with others for it makes us all feel better.
Live. What does it mean to truly live? I have been thinking a lot about this. The way I look at it is pretty simple. Live in such a way that your life may be something you are proud of. It is just fine to be proud of yourself. No shame in that. I choose to live my life with service. For that is what brings me happiness and joy. I tend to text people to come to mind to see how they are doing to show that I care.
Love. Love is a big topic. What do you think about when you hear the word love? Is it something with a person of interest? Is it a chick flick that you tell everyone about? Is it loving people no matter who they are like Jesus Christ would? Love to me is important. I make sure to tell the people I love, that I love them so they know. Never assume that people already know your love for them. Tell them. Words of affirmation can go a long way. I believe love can go a long way. It can change so many lives for good. Love and Kindness reminds me of a simple lyric from the musical Wicked. "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."
Laugh. Laughter is simply the best medicine. It has helped me in many hard situations in my life. Life is meant to me enjoyed, not endured. Let's all have a happy time together and laugh together. That changes things.
I have come to realize that it is okay if life is hard. Hard things shapes us for the future. We have two options when it comes to dealing with hardships. There are two types of fears. The first one is Face Everything and Rise. The second one is Forget Everything and Run. It is easy to feel just wanting to forget our hardships and pretend it isn't there. Just think of it. If we face our difficulties and rise, we have been changed for good. We are born as strong human beings. It has been this way from the beginning of time.
I am grateful for trials. Not because they are desirable. Only because they help and shape us to become the people who we are meant to be.
May we strive to reach out more to those who need a helping hand. Live more. Love more. Laugh more.
Love,
Laurel
